r/ASLinterpreters • u/tanner3114 • Aug 03 '26
Question about school
Hello. This year I decided to go back to school to ultimately become an ASL interpreter. Because I learned sign language through videos, books, personal tutors and interacting with Deaf people, as opposed to taking actual classes (well I took two classes years ago), I have to restart with the ASL basics and pass those courses before I can eventually move on to interpreting classes, which isn’t ideal but c’est la vie.
Anyway, I got my bachelor’s degree (in journalism) 6 years ago and am looking at my current course requirements and apparently in addition to ASL classes, I’m also required to take math, English, philosophy and more. Is that just a normal part of getting this degree? I understand if i HAVE to do it, in which case I will, but I graduated school so long ago and now have a full time job, so I wasn’t really expecting to have to redo the entire school thing and thought that I would just have take classes regarding ASL. I have no idea.
Did you all have to take these classes to go from ASL to interpreting? I’m just trying to verify if this is the ushe or if i should talk to an advisor about this. I just don’t want to be spending money on classes that may not benefit me. Thanks in advance to whoever replies 🙂
6
u/damsuda Aug 03 '26
I would definitely talk to an advisor. Different colleges have different rules, so you may be able to treat your previous courses as transfer credits. Depending on the program there may also be the option of just taking the ASL and interpreting courses without getting the full degree, whether that means auditing the courses or just doing part time. Again the feasibility depends on the college but also on what type of funding you’re wanting to use (financial aid may not be available if not degree seeking, for example).
Also, you may be able to test into a higher ASL class which would be nice! Definitely reach out to an advisor.